[DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department
publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime
intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No
attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or
opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

GERMAN HOLLOW-CHARGE AT GRENADE

Information on the new German hollow charge antitank
grenade (Faustpatrone 2) has been obtained from
German sources and a report of an examination
of the grenade. It would appear that there are two types, the
large 5-kg(11 lb) and
the small 2.5-kg (5.5 lb). The following
description and accompanying photograph pertain only to the
large 11-pound type.

a. Description

The Faustpatrone consists of a large hollow charge HE grenade and a
projecting tube.

(1) Grenade

This consists of a large head and a cylindrical body terminating in a tail
to which are attached four spring steel stabilizing fins. The body
contains a base fuze and a booster.

(2) Projector

This is a simple metal tube in which is located a propellant charge
contained in a waxed cardboard container held in position by a set
screw. On the opposite side to the set screw is an igniter
situated below a flash hole. On top of the tube is a simple
firing mechanism with release button, firing pin and spring
and a safety catch. There is also a folding sight.

b. Action

The grenade is armed by unscrewing the tail and inserting the booster
and fuze, open ends facing each other. The tail is then replaced. The fins are
wrapped around the tail and the grenade inserted into the tube. The pressure of
the fins against the inside of the tube serves to retain the grenade in position.

The firing mechanism is cocked by pushing the lock forward until the
release button emerges. The lock then slides back to its original
position. The weapon is now cocked and at "safe."

To make ready for firing the lock is rotated 90° to the left.

The tube is held under the right arm, the left hand supporting the
forward part.

Aiming is accomplished by aligning the sight, placed vertical to the
tube. The sight is adjustable for a range of 33 yards.

To fire, depress the release button, thus allowing the striker to go
forward. The tube cannot be used a second time.

c. Data

Length of tube

31.5 in

Length of tube and grenade

41 in

Length of grenade

19.5 in

Caliber of tube

1.75 in

Thickness of tube

.06 in

Weight of tube and grenade

11 lb

Weight of grenade

6.62 lb

Weight of bursting charge

3.4 lb

Weight of propellant

9 oz

Effective range

33 yds

M V

145 f/s

Penetration of armor

7.87 in

(claimed in German source)

d. Safety Precautions

(1) Set Faustpatrone to "Fire" only when using. The Faustpatrone can
be set to safe again if it has not been fired.

(2) To set from "Fire" to "Safe," turn bolt to vertical, then push fully
forward and hold. Press release button and allow it to slide back slowly so that
firing pin spring is allowed to expand. Snap sight back onto tube and replace
split pin.

(3) On discharge, a sheet of flame up to 6 feet long comes from the rear
end of the tube. Great care must be taken that the flame and bits of wadding do
not hit either the firer or anyone standing behind him. The danger zone extends
up to 30 feet. There must be a clear space (i.e. no earth, stones or wall) for the
flame at least 6 feet behind the tube.

(4) If propellant charge fails do not attempt to fiddle around with the
weapon. It must be laid aside carefully and exploded. Delayed explosions may still
occur. Should the hollow charge detonator fail to explode, the grenade must on no
account be touched but must be exploded by placing an explosive charge against it.

(5) During practice firing with live ammunition an area of 800 yards
round firer and target must be closed off. Firer must wear steel helmet.